The Best Craft Ales on the Connecticut Beer Trail

With i95's Bacon and Brew Fest not too far away on July 18, I was searching for an article online about Connecticut craft beers and found one at ctvisit.com about The Connecticut Beer Trail.

My beer choice in the summertime is "Landshark," because, to me, it tastes like summer. During the Fall and Winter seasons, my favorites are "Sam Adams Boston Ale" and "Old Speckled Hen," which is brewed in England. Since I'm an "ale guy" let's take a look at some of the best craft ales along the Ct Beer Trail.

1
Thomas Hooker Brewing Company(Bloomfield)
You'll be able to enjoy "Thomas Hooker" at I-95's Bacon and Brew Fest on July 18th. I'm not usually a fan of fruity beers, but I've tried their Watermelon Ale, and was pleasantly surprised. This brewery offers 13 different beers...8 ales and 5 lagers. I suggest you experience their tour and tasting, which they offer every Saturday.
2
Bar(New Haven)
You'll find "Bar" at 254 Crown St. in New Haven, which is the first brewpub in this city. They offer 4 affordable craft beers, Toasted Blonde, Amber, Pale, and Stout, all of them are delicious! Bar also offers billiards, wide screen TV's, and a separate room for their high energy dance club.
3
Two Roads Brewing Company(Stratford)
Let's head over to the Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford. They offer an eclectic selection of hand crafted beers that include L'il Heaven Session IPA, and Workers Comp Saison, which is very fruity! My favorite is one of their spring seasonal creations called, "Rye 95" which packs a wallop with an alcohol content of 9.5%. Many tours and tastings are available. Call 203-335-2010.
4
Shabeen Brewing(Wolcott)
Shebeen Brewing is also proudly a part of I-95's Bacon and Brewfest and features an eclectic variety of craft beers like their Cucumber Wasabi, Javapig, Black Hop IPA, Pumpkin Scotch, and their 1814 Colonial Brown. Shebeen's "Irish Pale" is my fav with light caramel flavor, amber in color but light in body. For touring and tastings info, call 203-514-2336.
5
Backstage(Torrington)
"Backstage" at 84 Main Street in Torrington is known for their great food and their selection 50 craft beers on tap! They feature a handful of excellent beers from Goose Island Brewery, who will also be represented at I-95's Bacon and BrewFest. My fav from Goose Island, which is available "on tap" at Backstage is "Honker's Ale."
6
New England Brewing Company(Woodbridge)
New England Brewing is located at 175 Amity Road in Woodbridge and features craft beers "on tap" like their Double India Pale, Russian Stout, if you're looking for a "dinner beer," two types of Belgian pale ales, and an American Porter. My fav?......the Galaxy Pale Ale. Find out about their tours and tastings at 203-387-2222.

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